Concerned Mother: Worried About My Daughter’s Stress Levels

Dear Agony Aunt,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you out of concern for my daughter, who is currently in primary school. Lately, she has been expressing how overwhelmed she feels with the amount of homework her teachers are assigning. She often tells me that she can’t catch her breath between schoolwork and her various co-curricular activities (CCAs).

As a parent, it breaks my heart to see her so stressed out at such a young age. I want her to enjoy learning and have a balanced childhood, but it seems like the pressures of schoolwork and CCAs are consuming all her free time. She’s been feeling anxious and has even mentioned that she dreads going to school because of the workload.

I’m not quite sure how to help her manage this situation. Should I speak to her teachers? Or perhaps encourage her to cut down on some of her activities? I want to support her but I don’t want to make things worse. Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your time.

Warm regards, 
Jessica

Dear Jessica,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns about your daughter. It’s entirely understandable to feel worried when you see your child struggling with stress, especially at such a tender age. The pressures of school can be overwhelming, and it’s important that we address these feelings thoughtfully.

First and foremost, it’s commendable that you want to support your daughter through this challenging time. Open communication is key. Have a heart-to-heart conversation with her about her feelings. Ask her what specifically stresses her out and how she feels about her homework and CCAs. This will help you understand her perspective better and reassure her that it’s okay to express her worries.

Regarding her workload, reaching out to her teachers is certainly a good idea. They may not be aware of how overwhelmed she feels, and discussing it with them can open up avenues for support. You might suggest a review of the homework load or inquire if there are any resources available to help students manage their time effectively.

As for her CCAs, it might be beneficial to evaluate which activities she truly enjoys and which ones she feels pressured to continue. Encourage her to prioritize activities that bring her joy and allow her time to unwind. It’s vital for children to have downtime to relax, play, and explore their interests outside of a structured environment.

Lastly, remind her that it’s completely normal to feel stressed sometimes, and that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. You might also want to share some stress-relief techniques, such as mindfulness exercises or simple breathing techniques, which can help her manage her feelings when she feels overwhelmed.

It’s wonderful that you’re looking out for her well-being. With your support and understanding, she can navigate through this tough phase and hopefully find more balance in her life.

Take care, and remember to be gentle with both yourself and your daughter during this time.

Best wishes,
Agony Aunt